Builds The Architect's '77 FJ40 (6 Viewers)

[fireball]

Thanks for the info! I just got my 40 and bought the OME kit with Bilstein shocks because a few here recommended them and because, like you, I prefer the look of the BIlsteins. A quick search didn't reveal many folks who had done true A/B comparisons so I'm not sure if they actually ride better or just look cooler! In my case, I'll probably never know as once the Bilsteins go in I won't be swapping and doing comparisons!

 

[GA Architect]

Thanks to @wngrog for the info about Griot's products, I did a little paint correction this weekend. With using these two products:

Do the products work? Using a Porter-Cable DA Polisher and Lake Country Force orange 5.5" pads, take a look at what a difference it makes.

Overall finished product:

Yep, it does shine in the sun.....

 

[wngrog]

Sweet.

 

[Honger]

Looks amazing! Cool to see Griots being used by others. Their product combined with the Porter Cable have always worked great for me and the results last.

Glad I’m not the only one who likes to polish and primp their truck from time to time.

 

[geoffnlp]

WOW looks great, what a difference.

 

[FJBen]

That does look great. I need to do that to mine as well. I should probably clay bar mine first as well.

 

[GA Architect]

It's been a while since posting anything to my thread, but it wasn't for the lack of trying! See, for the past few years, the parking brake light seemed to have a mind of it's own. Every once in a while, it would light up......and then go dormant for days/weeks/months!

Knowing there are a couple of switches that the wiring for this thing runs thru, I had bought the parking brake switch and the brake switch some time ago. I decided it was time to figure the wiring of this light, so I installed the new parking brake switch. Guess what, the next morning, the light worked!.........and then it didn't for a few days! $hit!

Next up, installed the new brake switch....Go figure, the light worked the next morning!!!!.......aaaannnnddd then it didn't!!!!! PHUCK!

Ok, two new switches didn't correct the problem, I knew it had to be the ground. Yes, I followed my '77 wiring diagram forwards & backwards, but could never find how the system grounded itself. Soooo, I turned the MUD search function into my personal dictionary! I searched and searched and searched and searched....Well, finally found what I was looking for. And let me tell you, I'd never have figured it out if good ol Mr. Rudi ( @bj40green ) hadn't posted this -> Click here, see post #5 <-.

Yep, was just in the shop this evening checking out the grounds. I disconnected the two brake warning clips/terminals below the brake master cylinder. And much to my surprise, one of the terminals was just connected by a single copper wire and it disconnected itself once I unclipped it. I had a few connectors so I crimped two new ones on, cleaned up the housings and reconnected them. There we go, that was my problem, my system wasn't completing the ground.

Proof, well I've traveled a few places this evening and the parking brake light has lit-up at every pull of the parking brake handle. Note, the parking brake light stays lit when the lever is pulled, except when you put your foot on the brake. Then the light goes out....

 

[firefighterjed]

And it’s Mud for the win!!! Again!!! This community never ceases to amaze.

 

[Dagha Boy]

Well I'll be damned! Sorting the handbrake light is in my future. You and bj40green just saved me much time and frustration. Thank you both!

 

[FJ404345]

Who knew?, I always thought it didn't work properly, because the engine compartment of your 40 was so filthy !

 

[cruiserboy14]

Well..... disregard my ask on the “what did you do today” Thread! Thank you!!!!!

 

[emac]

Good job! Only another 40 owner could understand the excitement of figuring this out! Does your seatbelt light work

 

[GA Architect]

For clarification, if you ever look at the wiring diagram and wondered where the 'brake warning switch' was.....

Well wonder no more! Again, thanks to Rudi......and their OEM part number is: 84390-30011 (7/70 - 7/80)

FYI - just got back from my shop, tested the system again this morning, and......."let there be light!" ☀

 

[GA Architect]

Good job! Only another 40 owner could understand the excitement of figuring this out! Does your seatbelt light work

..........annnnnddddd, that would be a big fat NO! I disconnected the system when I installed my Procar Seats and aftermarket seat belts a few years ago.

$hit, I've since had my original OEM seat belts reworked & rewebbed, and they are installed. Dang, maybe that is my next wiring project? THANKS, E!!!!!

 

[subzali]

FYI - just got back from my shop, tested the system again this morning, and......."let there be light!" ☀

So satisfying.

 

[Rock Slide]

Great work Rick! This is def on my to-do-list...along with fixing my seatbelt warning light. Hopefully, you'll post updates on that light too before I can get around to checking both mine out.

The small victories are just as rewarding as the big ones.

 

[tls3601]

What is the proper mounting of the light console Rick? My brothers ‘76 flops around. Care to pass on a pick of how it should be connected to dash? Thanks Tom

 

[GA Architect]

What is the proper mounting of the light console Rick? My brothers ‘76 flops around. Care to pass on a pick of how it should be connected to dash? Thanks Tom

The light housing attaches to a bracket that is attached to the dash by two screws, #93540-14014.

And now you guys know where my super secret, zombie kill'a death ray.......er, carb cooling fan over ride switch is.

 

[tls3601]

The light housing attaches to a bracket that is attached to the dash by two screws, #93540-14014.

View attachment 2109218
Thanks for that Rick, much appreciated my friend!
View attachment 2109220

And now you guys know where my super secrete, zombie kill'a death ray.......er, carb cooling fan over ride switch is.

 

[GA Architect]

'Tis the Season! While verifying the lights on the outdoor trees, I decided to snap this pic in my shop.